The striking Matachica Resort & Spa is paradise found specialising in romance.

Reached by a short boat ride from San Pedro, a thatched-roof slice of beach-side seclusion attended by professional staff awaits. Overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters and the second largest coral reef in the world, this adults-only collection of 25 intimate thatched-roof casitas, new Luxury Beachfront Villas and SeaBreeze Villas (two bedrooms and two bathrooms ideal for a group of friends) is utterly peaceful.

Inside, they’re bohemian in style, peppered with artefacts, tiles, paintings and fabrics that brighten up the fresh white walls. Just outside the casita’s door a hammock swings in the breeze enticing you to jump in but the pearly-white sand of the beach just steps away also demands your attention. If the warm salty waters fail to tempt you, the infinity pool facing the beach just might and the beach-front bar lounge’s cognacs and Cuban cigars definitely will. For the body conscious, Matachica’s gym with state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment and The Jade Spa using local organic products are the ultimate attractions.

Regaled as one of the country’s finest, Mambo Restaurant’s international fusion cuisine does a mean home-made pasta and serves just-caught fish and seafood dishes.